Lecture 8: Assessment & Sentencing Flashcards
Risk Assessment & Women [2]
- Women commit less violent crime than men.
- Most risk tools were designed for men, so they may not work well for women.
[3] Unique risk factors for violent reoffending in Women
- Family conflict, especially mother-daughter conflict.
- Stressful relationships (parents, romantic partners).
- Low self-esteem and feeling incapable of success.
Risk Assessment & Indigenous Peoples [2]
- Indigenous people are overrepresented in prisons compared to their population size.
- Risk tools were made for White men, so they may not fairly assess Indigenous offenders.
Indigenous people are more likely to be labeled “high-risk”, leading to: [3]
- Harsher sentences & stricter release conditions.
- More time in maximum security (especially Indigenous women).
- Less access to rehabilitation programs.
Ewert v. Canada Case [3]
- Ewert (Métis man) sued the prison system for using biased risk tools against Indigenous people.
- The court agreed that Correctional Services Canada (CSC) failed to ensure risk tools were fair for Indigenous offenders.
- The case highlighted inequalities in how Indigenous people are treated in the justice system.
Risk tools assume everyone is the same, but cultures differ in… [3]
- Social norms & expectations
- Health beliefs & mental health symptoms
- Views on crime & punishment
What Happens After Arrest? [3]
- Bail: Some are released with conditions (e.g., no drugs, must report to police).
- Remand: Serious offenders stay in jail until trial or plea deal.
- Intake Assessments: Prison staff check security risks, mental health, and medical needs.
Zach’s Story (Example of Sentencing Process) [4]
- Zach commits armed robbery while intoxicated.
- He pleads guilty and gets 3 years in federal prison.
- In prison, he is assessed for security level and meets with a parole officer.
- After 1 year, he can apply for parole if he follows prison rules.
Western vs. Non-Western Risk Factors [1]
things that are seen as risk factors in Western cultures may have different meanings in other cultures
* Example: family disruptions or seeing spirits*
Risk Factors and Limited Control [1]
risk factors can be related to factors that people can’t control
* Ex.: Low education = poor resources at schools*
Day Parole [1]
Allows someone to live in a community facility, like a halfway house.
Full Parole [1]
Allows someone to live in a private residence, and generally follows successful day parole.
Statutory Release [1]
Means a person will be released from prison after serving two thirds of their sentence, if they have not already been granted parole.
Sentencing Options (Other Than Prison) - Absolute discharge [1]
person is found guilty but will not be convicted and will have no criminal record.
Sentencing Options (Other Than Prison) - Conditional discharge [1]
Must follow rules (like probation), then record is cleared.
